Custom is indeed relentless. No less power could enforce a manner of living so little conducive in many respects to health, comfort, and convenience as that often seen. Women with many cares, young children, slender purses, at best but one servant, often none, yet wishing to be bright, cheerful, and companionable, secretly sigh for the time to rest, think, and read in order not to become household drudges. They must save time—it cannot be bought. I wonder to how many weary mothers it has occurred to gain time and means by dressing baby plainly. Baby with her smiling face hardly needs the aid of tucks and ruffles to make her attractive. The principle requisite is to keep her warm and clean. Then let there be plenty of soft flannels and little dresses. But why should the former be embroidered and the latter a mass of tucks and lace? It takes six times as long to put six tucks into a little dress as it does to make the plain wide hem and the weary heap of sewing (for the easy-running machine deludes the mother) is made endless. Baby will smile just as sweetly in a plain white dress finished with a bit of lace at the neck and sleeves. Every mother knows that the cost of handsome little dresses is no small drain on the family purse, and baby upsets the ink-bottle on her embroideries as calmly as on a plain dress.
Bridget, too, has her trials with these little dresses. In summer the ironing is long and hot, and in winter the drying is vexatious, oftentimes making washing meet washing. Make the dresses perfectly plain, and you will realize that a willing kitchen maid is better than ruffles and temper therewith. And why should baby's two-a-day dresses be starched? They look better when fresh, perhaps, but with a young child they will keep spotless hardly fifteen minutes longer, which is a small gain contrasted with the time taken in ironing.
This may seem to be more of a comfort for the servant than for the mother, but this is only the outside aspect. With work lighter Bridget's temper is sweeter, the order to watch the baby for a little is less liable to meet with sullen acquiescence, and the child's hour with her is all the merrier. After many hours of patient care and labor how welcome this little rest and change to the mother! Welcome, doubtless, to baby too, who has felt grieved in her baby fashion with the impatience which will come, but which expresses fatigue rather than the lessening of the mother-love.
A rest in a twofold way to the mother, an equally clean, perhaps happier baby, a pleasanter servant, and a calmer home. Are not these objects worth the sacrifice? If a mother is willing to bear the extra burden of sewing ungrudgingly for the sake of having her pet "look like other children," she should remember that it is not so well for the child. Nothing can compensate to the little one for the loss of that calm and equable government, which can only come with sound body and unworn nerves. As a mother once sung for Saint Nicholas:—
"Would you know the baby's skies?
Baby's skies are mother's eyes;
Mother's eyes and smile together
Make the baby's pleasant weather.
"Mother, keep your eyes from tears,
Keep your heart from foolish fears,
Keep your lips from dull complaining
Lest the baby think 'tis raining."
—Mrs. Alice E. Ormsbee, in Good Housekeeping
The Unprofitableness of Fault-Finding
It is an easy matter to find fault with the performances of others, but it is often difficult to improve upon them. Fault-finding as a business requires but small capital, but it should be remembered that it yields no profit. Those who engage in it must do so for the mere pleasure of the thing, and this is subject to very great drawbacks. There are many other callings more profitable and agreeable.—Sel.
Why Women Are Always Tired.
By Jennie June
It is a common thing nowadays to talk of all men and women who work as being over-worked and always tired, and always needing "rest." Why don't they take it? Because people do not even want rest unless it costs a good deal of money. An old-fashioned rest, in a rocking chair, with the doors closed and the windows open, does not suit modern ailments. You must go a long way and take an infinite amount of trouble to get proper and suitable rest, a sort of rest a la mode, and then you are supposed to be ready to again rush into the thickest of the fight, and meet and conquer every obstacle. Why there are fights, and why there are obstacles, is not explainable. Life is supposed to be easier from the house-hold point of view than formerly—why it is has not yet been discovered. A great deal of breath has been expended in showing how and why living has been made easy, but the fact still remains that people take it harder than ever, and die of it with less provocation.
One of the reasons suggested itself the other day, when a cloth dress for traveling was sent home. It was for a "tired" woman. It was of heavy serge and it had two skirts, one laid in plaits and weighted with "Hercules" braid, and the other laid in close, abundant folds over a thick quilted "mattress" and two broad steel rails, and the burden of carrying the weight of wool, enough to appall a strong man. It might be supposed that women could or would exer-cise some control over their own clothing, but they cannot unless they make it themselves; the powers that be are obdurate, and insist that you must carry their reputation for drapery or tour-nure "style" upon your back, whether it is equal to the strain or not. How delightful the rocking-chair and the straight, cool dress of linen or lawn seem in retrospect. Perhaps they still exist in remote districts. If they do, let us advise the possessors to make much of them.—Jennie June.
Nine Follies.
1. To THINK that the more a man eats the fatter and stronger he will become.
2. To believe that the more hours children study at school the faster they will learn.
3. To imagine that every hour taken from sleep is an hour gained.
4. To act on the presumption that the smallest room in the house is large enough to sleep in.
5. To argue that whatever remedy causes one to feel immediately better, is "good for" the system, without regard to more ulterior effects.
6. To commit an act which is felt in itself to be prejudicial, hoping that somehow or other it may be done in your case with impunity.
7. To advise another to take a remedy which you have not tried, or without making special inquiry whether all the conditions are alike.
8. To eat without an appetite, or continue to eat after it has been satisfied, merely to gratify the taste.
9. To eat a hearty supper for the pleasure experienced during the brief time it is passing down the throat, at the expense of a whole night of disturbed sleep, and a weary waking in the morning.
Chronic Complaints
The chronic complaint of ailments may outrival in painfulness all ordinary ailments combined.—Sel.
SECULAR.
—Persia is engaging German officers to organize her army.
—Russia is building hurriedly a strategical railway to the Austrian frontier.
—Cholera and dysentery are sweeping off the Russian troops on the Afghan frontier.
—Nine persons have died in Baltimore from trichinosis, caused by eating raw pork, on May 10.
—The losses from fire in the United States and Canada during the first seven months of 1885 aggregated $60,000,000.
—The Sacramento River is so low that it is feared that navigation between Sacramento and San Francisco will be stopped.
—The Russians are fortifying the island of Quelpoert, at the entrance of the Yellow Sea and south of the Corean Peninsula.
—The city hospital at Montreal contained, August 13, thirty-six small-pox patients.
—The grasshoppers have been doing destructive work in Fort Reford and Poplar Pine Agency, Montana.
—Forty Germans have lately been expelled from Russia. Many Germans are becoming naturalized to prevent expulsion.
—Dysentery and scarcity of food are causing great suffering at Bridgeport, Pa. August 11, thirty cases of sickness and five deaths were reported.
—At Bay City, Mich., August 12, a desperate fight took place between some strikers and the officers, in which several persons were wounded.
—A cyclone at Norward, N. Y., August 12, killed eight persons, blew down the church steeples, and completely demolished the growing crops.
—The Mexicans who participated in the notorious train robbery on the Mexican National railroad, in February, 1883, have been condemned to death.
—The cholera is still doing its deadly work in Spain, and the southern part of France. The mortality from cholera alone, in Spain, is from 1,600 to over 2,000 daily.
—The World's Washington special says: "All the Spanish-American nations despise us. . . The Chilian officers declare that the Chilian navy could destroy ours in a three hours' fight."
—At the West End Coal Company's mines at Mecanaqua, Pa., twelve men lost their lives, August 11, from gases which accumulated in the mine after the engine broke which supplies fresh air.
—The villages and gardens in the environs of Herat are being demolished to prevent their use for covering the movements of Russian troops in case of hostilities between England and Russia.
—United States Senator Coke, of Texas, has inaugurated an anti-prohibition campaign. He declared that prohibition is opposed to personal liberty and intended to overthrow the Democratic party.
—While the cashier of the San Jose Safe Deposit Bank of Savings was selling a small note of exchange to a stranger, a tray containing $10,000 in gold was taken, it is supposed, by some one entering a side door.
—Reports come from Tonquin, southeastern Asia, that the black flag was hoisted recently and a raid made upon the Christian missions. Many Christians were killed and eight thousand followers of the missionaries took refuge with the French troops.
—According to the Bulletin (S. F.), the trades organizations throughout the United States were to issue, August 15, a petition requesting the president to call an extra session of Congress for the purpose of considering measures for the relief of the industrial classes and revival of business.
—The Pacific Mail steamships, which refused a few weeks ago to carry the mails, will take letters properly stamped and delivered to them, to China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. There will still be great delay and inconvenience to all persons outside of San Francisco, for they will have to send all mail destined for the above-named places, by the way of London and the Suez Canal.
—At Porter Station, a village of 300 inhabitants, twelve miles from Valparaiso, Ind., an epidemic, supposed to have been caused by eating meat coming from a filthy slaughter house, is raging. The report of August 6 states that five had died, fifteen were dangerously ill, and about twenty-five others sick. It makes itself known by a leaden feeling in the stomach, followed by vomiting and diarrhetic discharges. The most powerful drugs fail to give relief.
News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—The Protestant Episcopal Church, at its congress in New Haven, next October, is to discuss "The Ethics of the Tariff Question."
—A recent report states that of the native Christians in the Japanese churches, now supposed to number 8,000, only one-fourth are females. This state of things is often presented in the mission churches, where restrictions have long operated against women, who are less accessible than the men.
—Missionaries in far-off countries, like Burmah, say that a great deal of infidel literature is being distributed among the natives, especially among teachers. Bundles of documents, including Ingersoll's lectures, in the native tongues, are sent into towns and villages for free circulation.
—The annual report of the Brooklyn Sunday-school Union, published recently, shows the total membership of Protestant Sunday-schools to be 102,809; the average attendance to be 62,155; $82,539.25 was contributed by the pupils. The largest number of pupils belongs to the Methodist churches.
—The ritualistic party in the Church of England is said to be on the increase. There are now reported 869 churches at which "altar lights" are used, 38 where incense is burnt, 1,476 always open for private prayer, 449 where vestments are worn, and 2,858 where "the eastward position" is taken.
—"The Doctrines and Discipline of the Salvation Army" has just issued from "head-quarters" in London. One section gives the teaching of the Army on the subject of baptism and of the Lord's Supper; of the latter ordinance it says: "When such an ordinance is helpful to the faith of our soldiers, we recommend its adoption." That is to say, they allow their "soldiers" to do just as they please about obeying the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. That shows whose "soldiers" they are not. "His servants ye are to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey."
—The Advance thinks that if the Roman Catholic Church would put itself in thorough accord with the pastoral issued by the bishops of the Plenary Council in Baltimore, last fall, the olden times might be revived, and "Rome might yet bear a noble part in securing the final triumph of Christianity." Rev. Stephen Dekins, of New York, says truly of that pastoral letter that it "hides the ferocious claws of a hateful system of despotism." Why will not Protestants learn that "Rome never changes," and that to have the "olden times" revived would be persecution to the death, against every one who would not acknowledge the authority of the "man of sin"?
—The priests in Bulgaria seem actually to be on a strike. Some three years ago the peasantry began to refuse to pay ecclesiastical tithes, and the Government appropriated $160,000 towards the deficit. But this money is now exhausted, and as no more has been voted, the ecclesiastics are thrown upon their parishioners again for support, and it is stated that in many places they now refuse to hold church services, administer the sacraments, solemnize marriages, or bury the dead. Were not the masses of the people so closely wedded to their church, there would be ground for seeing a wide door for the propagation of a purer gospel, but a settlement of some sort is likely to be effected without a permanent variance between priests and people.—Exchange.
Plates of Gold
PLATES OF GOLD.—The throne of the empress of Russia is completely covered with plates of gold, and contains 1,500 rubies and 8,000 turquoises, besides many other rare and costly gems. The throne of the czar, known as the diamond throne, is truly a marvel. It is generally conceded that Russia possesses more precious stones than any other nation, a majority of which were procured at the expense of blood. The jewels in the cathedral of Moscow alone are valued at $12,000,000.—Sel.
Making a Watch by Noon
The operations of the mechanical appliances in a watch factory have become so rapid and systematic that it is possible to take the raw materials from stock in the morning, and have a watch running from them by noon.
California State Sabbath-School Association.
By C. H. Jones
THE eighth annual session of the California State Sabbath-school Association, for the election of officers and the transaction of other business, will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, at Stockton, Sept. 17-28, 1885. The interest in this branch of the work is increasing, and it is necessary that broader plans be laid to carry it forward during the coming year. Special instructions will be given to officers and teachers in regard to their work, and matters of general interest and great importance will come before the association for consideration. We hope that just as far as possible, every school in this Conference will be represented.
All the schools are specially requested to send their class record books, together with the secretary's record book, to this meeting, for examination. We wish to become acquainted with the workings of every school in this State, and in no way can this be done as well as by a thorough examination of the record books. We do not wish to examine these books out of idle curiosity, but we want to be able to help you. If no one is coming to the meeting from your locality, you can send the books by mail or express, and we will see that they are returned to you promptly, after the meeting. These books should be sent so as to reach the camp-ground as early as September 17. Address the package to C. H. Jones, Stockton, Cal.
Special lessons have been prepared for those studying books Nos. 1-6, and they will be given out on the camp-ground. Those studying the lessons found in the Instructor will recite the regular lessons for September 19 and 26.
Let all come with a determination to gain all the instruction possible in the Sabbath-school work, that they may be better able to aid their respective churches in building up this important branch of the work in a thorough and systematic manner.
C. H. JONES, Pres.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
We send no papers from this office without pay in advance, unless by special arrangement. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the Signs are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please send the papers and hand them to your friends to read.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
Australia—Elder S. N. Haskell, Sumarlide, Highett Street, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
England—The Present Truth, 72 Heneage Street, Great Grimsby, Eng.
Hawaiian Islands—L. A. Scott, Honolulu, H. I.
Michigan—Miss Hattie House, care Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
New England—Mrs. E. T. Palmer, N. E. Tract Repository, South Lancaster, Mass.
North Pacific—Mrs. C. L. Boyd, East Portland, Oregon.
Switzerland—W. C. White, Belchenstrasse 20, Bâle, Suisse.
Geikie's "Life and Words of Christ."
"LIFE AND WORDS OF CHRIST," by Cunningham Geikie, D. D. New and cheaper edition, the handsomest yet issued at a low price. One volume, 16mo., 838 pages, brevier type, cloth binding. Sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of 60 cents.
The American Sentinel,
An eight-page monthly paper that should be read by every American citizen. It discusses the live issue of the day, and takes the place of The Sabbath Sentinel. The distinctive object of the paper is to vindicate the rights of the American citizen. The first number will be dated September, 1885. Price, fifty cents a year. Let the subscriptions roll in. Sample copy free.
Appointments.
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Seats free.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 914 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
EAST PORTLAND (Or.)—House of worship on G Street between Tenth and Eleventh. Sabbath-school every Sabbath (Saturday), followed by services. Preaching or Bible-reading Sunday evening. Prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. The public is cordially invited. Free public reading-room, corner of L and Fifth Streets.
California Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
The annual camp-meeting of Seventh-day Adventists of California will be held in Good Water Grove, at the city of Stockton, Cal., September 17-28, 1885. A street-car line runs from the heart of the city to the grove, and special accommodations will be granted to the meeting. Favorable arrangements have also been made for the transportation of baggage to and from the camp-ground. Fares on railroads and steam-boats will be announced in good season. Let timely preparation be made for a large attendance.
California Tract and Missionary Society.
By William Ings
THE fifteenth annual session of the California T. and M. Society will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, in Stockton, September 17-28, 1885.
Much important business will require attention at this meeting, and every society in the State should be well represented. Scattered brethren where there are no societies should attend this meeting. The wants of all parts of the field will be considered.
WM. INGS, Vice-Pres.
California Conference.
THE fourteenth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the State camp-meeting, in Stockton, Sept. 17-28, 1885.
Delegates should be elected in good season according to the following ratio: Every church is entitled to one delegate without regard to the number of members, and one additional delegate to every ten members. Ministers holding credentials are delegates at large, without election. Companies unorganized are represented by the delegates at large; if such companies have any matters to bring before the Conference, they should place them in the hands of the ministers. Churches are requested to elect as delegates good, reliable persons, who love the cause, and, as far as possible, those who will remain to the close of the meeting.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.
The Illinois Camp-Meeting.
By Robert M. Kilgore
THIS important State meeting will be held this year at Aurora, September 9-15. Aurora is about thirty-five miles southwest of Chicago, on the main line of the C. B. & Q. R. R. We have already the promise of reduced rates on the railroads leading to the city, and we expect to secure the same on the other connecting lines. The meeting will be held in the Even's Park, in the southern part of east Aurora. The Lincoln Avenue street-cars run directly in front of the park, making it accessible from all parts of the city. There are several reasons why Aurora was selected, which we trust all will see in due time.
We are assured that Elder George I. Butler, president of the General Conference, Elder O. A. Olsen, and other prominent speakers, will be present to instruct the people. Meetings will be conducted in the English, Scandinavian, and French languages, and separate tents will be provided for these services, and also for children's meetings. We shall have on the grounds an ample supply of provisions at reasonable rates, and a dining tent where warm meals can be obtained by those who desire to come without preparations for cooking their own meals. Should any desire to rent tents they can obtain them by corresponding with William Armstrong, 136 Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois. There will also be a good supply of books, tracts, and periodicals on the ground.
The readers of the SIGNS throughout the State of Illinois are cordially invited to attend this meeting. We would urge you to come and share with us the benefits we hope to enjoy. You cannot but be profited by coming, and we feel sure you will be pleased with the manner in which the meetings will be conducted.
Remember the time, and come prepared to remain, till the meeting closes. R. M. KILGORE.
Valuable Premium Offer.
By Editor
THE new illustrated edition of "The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan," from the destruction of Jerusalem to the end of time, by Mrs. E. G. White, is now offered as a premium with the SIGNS. This book is handsomely bound in cloth, and contains over five hundred pages of choice reading matter, and is illustrated by twenty-one full page cuts of the most striking events, besides a portrait of the author. We will send the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to new subscribers for one year, and give to each a copy of the "Great Controversy," for $3.00; or the SIGNS six months, and a copy of the book, for $2.25. Address the State secretary of the T. and M. Society, and our agent will call on you, or you can remit direct to the office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
RECEIPTS.
By Editor
NOTICE.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, please notify us. All other business is acknowledged below.
CASH RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—N Y T and M Society $500, Wis T and M Society $200, Texas T and M Society $80, Iowa T and M Society $321.79.
AUSTRALIAN MISSION.—Mrs Spaulding $1.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Wm Harmon, Eld C L Boyd, Eld B F Merritt, N E Tract Society.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—A L Anthony, A B Beach, L H Church, Eld R M Kilgore, Geo H Derrick, Eld J J Smith, Eld A O Burrill, J J Bolton.
THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS.
BY ELD. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Also giving an exposition of the origin, history, and destiny of Satan. 144 pp. Price, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
This volume contains the earliest writings of Mrs. White, first printed in 1851. It contains an account of her early religious experience, and a brief account of the wonderful dealings of God with her. Apart from its intrinsic value, it will be of interest as showing the harmony between the earliest writings of the Seventh-day Adventists and those published at a later date. Its publication is very timely. In paper covers, with Supplement, 25 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
This Is for You
By Editor
We offer liberal inducements to those who can spare a few minutes, an hour, or a day, to show their friends and neighbors the best health journal published in the West. The Pacific Health Journal and Temperance Advocate is published bi-monthly by the Pacific Press, Oakland, California, at only 50 cents a year, and we now offer you some valuable, interesting, and useful books as remuneration for your services in securing subscribers. Now is the time! Agents say it is easy work, and they are meeting with encouraging success.
For two new subscribers at 50 cents each we will mail to you post-paid your choice of the following works: "Diphtheria; its Nature, Causes, Prevention, and Most Successful Modes of Treatment;" by J. H. Kellogg, M. D. It should be in every household, as its instructions, if faithfully carried out, will save many a precious life. "Alcoholic Poison; or, the Physical, Moral, and Social Effects of Alcohol as a Beverage and as a Medicine;" by the same author. Every temperance worker should have it.
For three subscriptions, "Smith's Diagram of Parliamentary Rules, with Key and Concise Hints and Directions for Conducting Business of Deliberative Assemblies;" or, we will send one copy of the Pacific Health Journal for one year free to the person procuring the club.
For five subscriptions, your choice of the following popular and valuable works: "Practical Manual of Hygiene and Temperance," by J. H. Kellogg, M. D.; "History of the Waldenses," illustrated, by the Rev. J. A. Wylie; "The United States in the Light of Prophecy; or, Our Country's Future," by Elder Uriah Smith; "The Life of Christ," by Cunningham Geikie, D. D.; "Sketches from the Life of Paul," by Mrs. E. G. White; "The Bible from Heaven," by Elder D. M. Canright; "The Atonement, in the Light of Nature and Revelation," by Elder J. H. Waggoner; "The Coming Conflict; or, the Present Sunday Agitation," by Elder W. H. Littlejohn.
For ten subscriptions, either of the following: "Sunshine at Home," a family portfolio, containing 150 illustrations. "Man's Nature and Destiny," by Elder Uriah Smith. "History of the Sabbath," embracing a period of 6,000 years, by Elder J. N. Andrews. "The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan"—from the destruction of Jerusalem to the end of time; illustrated trade edition.
Address all letters, and make money orders payable to the Pacific Press, Oakland, California.
Valuable Books.
By Editor
WE would call the attention of all, and especially of our ministers and college students, to two important works that are for sale at this office. These are, "Labberton's Historical Atlas," and "Guin & Heath's Classical Atlas."
The Historical Atlas has fifty-one single-page colored plates, forty-three of which show the progress of history from the Empire of Chedorlaomer (Gen. 14 : 4), through the four great empires of prophecy, down to the map of Europe as it exists at present. The last eight plates show the development of the United States from the colonies and claims as they stood in 1650 A. D., to the States and Territories as marked in 1868.
The Classical Atlas contains twenty-three large double-page colored maps of the different countries and of the world of the ancients, from the earliest records down to the fall of the Western Empire of Rome. It gives splendid detailed maps of Assyria, Babylonia, Media, Persia, Armenia, India, Asia Minor, Egypt, Arabia, Ethiopia, Greece, the Empire of Alexander, the Roman Empire as a whole, and all its provinces separately, and the inroads of the Barbarians as they poured down upon Western Rome, to her ruin. Besides these maps, it gives twelve large pages of printed matter, descriptive of the geography of the countries shown in the maps. And after that there is a thirty-six-page index, giving the ancient and modern names and the latitude and longitude, of all the nations, cities, etc., etc., known to ancient history. If asked, Which is the better atlas? we would say, Neither, as it depends altogether upon the wish of the student. If you want to obtain a thorough knowledge of ancient history to the ruin of the Roman Empire, the Classical Atlas is the better one. If you want only a general outline of the progress of history of the world down to our own day, then the Historical Atlas is the better one. The prices are as follows: Historical Atlas, $1.50; Classical Atlas, $2.50. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
SEE the notice of a camp-meeting in Santa Ana, Los Angeles Co., Cal., beginning Oct. 15. Further particulars hereafter.
NOTICE change in appointment of New England camp-meeting. It will be held in Worcester instead of Lynn, as heretofore advertised. Time, Sept. 2-8.
THERE was an error of print in the notice of the coming camp-meeting in Stockton, Cal. Instead of "Sept. 18-28," it is corrected this week to Sept. 17-28.
A LETTER from Bro. W. C. White, dated Boston, Aug. 7, says they were just ready to take ship for Europe. Many prayers have followed them across the waters.
The Camp-Ground at Stockton.
THE Camp-meeting Committee have been fortunate in the selection of a camp-ground for the September meeting at Stockton. The place is known as Good Water Grove, situated but a short distance north of the city limits. It has long been deemed a favorite place for encampments of various kinds.
The inclosure contains some fourteen or fifteen acres of land, is well shaded with oak trees, and the "good water" supply is from two wells conveniently situated. The location is about two miles from the railroad depot, and the same distance from the steamboat landing, street-cars connecting both points with the camp-ground. In regard to healthfulness, convenience, and pleasant surroundings, the location is not inferior to any yet occupied in the State. The pride of Stockton is its health record, on account of which the State Insane Asylum was located there. The mild sea-breeze in the afternoon always insures delightful evenings, even in the warmest days. The great importance of this meeting to the cause which it is designed to forward, and to our religious interests, should lead all to make special efforts to attend.
Southern California.
By Editor
According to present arrangements the camp-meeting for Southern California will be held in Santa Ana, Los Angeles County. The time will probably be October 15-26. This is as early as it can begin and do justice to the laborers who have to attend the Stockton meeting, and who have to bear the burden of the Southern meeting. Intelligence received from Los Angeles County leads us to believe that October 15 will suit them better than an earlier date.
Tents may be rented the same as for the other meetings. White, 10x12, $4.00; striped, same size, $5.00; white (only), 12x16, $6.00. As the tents must all be shipped from Oakland, it will be necessary to know at an early date how many will be wanted. All orders should be received at the Pacific Press by October 1. Somebody in that county should take it in hand to ascertain how many tents will probably be required.
Camp-Meeting Special Notice.
By Editor
THE grove in which the meeting will be held in Stockton will be in charge of the Committee from Sept. 10, in order to make full preparation for the meeting. It is intended that the work of preparation shall be fully completed before the time to begin the meeting. Much was lost last year for want of this. In order that this may be done it is requested:—
1. That all who wish to rent tents will make their applications early.
2. That if any have tents which they intend to pitch on the ground, they will notify the Committee soon, and forward or bring their tents so that they may be erected before the meeting begins.
The ground will be platted in streets, and the lots numbered, so that numbers can be put on the tents as fast as they are erected. If any bring tents after the meeting is commenced, or without giving notice to the Committee, they may be disappointed or inconvenienced in regard to location.
RENT OF TENTS.
Tents will be rented the same as last year, pitched and ready for occupancy:
Application for tents and for information in regard to them should be made to B. R. Nordyke, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
Laborers in California, Take Notice.
By Editor
LAST year, in an article on the "Magnitude of Our Work," we stated that it is becoming impossible to do justice to all the business to be transacted, and to the religious services at our camp-meetings as they have hitherto been conducted. We suggested that all reports of labor be sent in before the time of meeting, so that they could be examined and prepared to be presented to the auditing committee. Elder Loughborough adopted this plan in the Upper Columbia Conference, and thereby saved much time and labor at the Conference session. Therefore the Committee of the California Conference make the following call:—
All who have labored for this Conference during any part of this present Conference year will please send their reports and accounts, brought up to September 1, to Elder J. N. Loughborough, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. Competent persons will examine them, arrange them, and thus have all matters of doubt in the reports noted for ready explanation when the Conference meets. This is important. Let no one neglect the call.
In the past those ministers who have had to carry the burden of the meeting have had altogether too much of their time occupied in business matters. This difficulty can be obviated, to the benefit of every interest of the meetings.
The Real Worth of New Documents
By Editor
The New York Observer says:—
"It is reported that the bundle of Shapira manuscripts, recently 'valued at $5,000,000,' has been bought for eighty cents by Dr. Ginsburg, who examined the manuscripts for the British Museum."
That is just about the proportion between the estimated value and the real worth of all those newly discovered documents purporting to be almost, if not quite, inspired, among which may be numbered the once much-lauded "Teaching of the Apostles."
The Iniquity of London
By Editor
WE acknowledge the receipt, from M. C. W., of a copy of the report of the investigating committee of the Pall Mall Gazette, containing the revelation of the iniquity of London. From what we gathered from the telegraphic dispatches we were led to exclaim, "If Sodom was worse than this, what could it have been?" But since reading the fearful record we cannot believe that Sodom was as bad as this London infamy. We verily believe that the men of Sodom would have blushed and turned away their faces for very shame at sight of the hideous iniquities of these men of London.
Answers to Queries.
By Editor
D. C. S.—1. Rand, McNally & Co.'s "Indexed Historical Atlas of the World," published in 1883, gives the number of Catholics as 202,367,858; Protestants, of various denominations, 108,629,906; of the Greek Church, 70,482,000.
2. The Greek Church is in no sense Protestant. It has no similarity to Protestantism, but in belief and forms of worship it is essentially Catholic, yet the two bodies are antagonistic. They were formerly one, but became divided on account of the rivalry between the bishop of Constantinople and the pope of Rome.
3. There is nothing in the Constitution of the United States that would prevent an atheist from being inaugurated president, if he were elected.